Watercress works wonders. Read a short synopsis of the science behind how watercress encourages collagen and elastin production for younger, firmer skin
Watercress supports collagen and elastin within the skin
We obsess about Collagen in our skincare regimens, and rightly so. Collagen is the scaffold of our skin, keeping it firm and wrinkle-free.
Skin with more collagen has smaller pores and fewer wrinkles. But our skin can be devoid of these tell-tale signs of aging yet still not look YOUNG.
What is the secret of youthful skin? Collagen AND Elastin. How do you increase both Collagen and Elastin in your skin? By slathering Watercress all over it.
Watercress boosts collagen and elastin
The Science of Watercress
Watercress, also known as Nasturtium Officinale, is a tiny plant with big beauty benefits.
A groundbreaking skincare study showed Watercress uniquely promotes Collagen III in the dermal cells of the papillary dermis skin layer. [1] Collagen III is known as “baby collagen” – it is the type we lose as we age.
Watercress also builds Elastin.
Elastin gives skin its’ youthful bounce. The same study found that the more elastin skin has, the smoother skin looks. But as skin loses elastin, it becomes dull and rough.
Enhanced collagen levels ALSO increase skin elasticity. And together, they make skin taut, resilient, and radiant.
Nasturtium Officinale is also an antioxidant full Vitamins A, C, E, K, and notably, Copper. [2]
Nasturtium Officinale promotes Collagen III – the type of collagen we lose as we age.
The Key Nutrients in Watercress
COPPER
Watercress contains Copper which has an amazing ability to restore elastin in the skin.
Elastin gives skin its’ youthful bounce and the ability to spring back. Few ingredients support elastin as copper does. Copper peptides promote collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid production within the skin. All three are vital for skin firmness, texture, radiance, and appearance.
Copper extraction is costly, which often makes it costly in skincare products. Nasturtium Officinale is an excellent way to get topical copper in your skincare program.
Read more about how copper benefits the skin here.
VITAMIN K
The Vitamin K in Watercress reduces brown and blue-tinged under-eye dark circles caused by leaking capillaries.
As we age, we tend to get more broken capillaries, resulting in red and brown heme pooled under the skin. Vitamin K strengthens these capillaries so they are more resistant to breakage.
Read more about 5 things you should know about Vitamin K for reducing under eye circles here.
VITAMINS
Watercress also contains Vitamins A and C to fight free radicals.
Elastin Facts: What You Need to Know
- Elastin is a protein found in skin and hair.
- Elastin is paired collagen in the dermis skin layer and gives structural support to the skin. It is the stretchy structural proteins that allow the skin to snap back into place.
- Elastin is especially vulnerable to sun damage.
- Elastin is as important as collagen for the appearance of younger skin
- Elastin can be replaced in the skin, but fewer products address the loss of skin elastin.
Featured Products Containing Watercress
We love It in an eye treatment!
Nasturtium Officinale is found in skin-savvy beauty brands such as SK-II.
This Farmaesthetics Watercress Eye Gel contains Watercress and certified organic herbs, flowers, and oils from American family farms. It is the perfect combination to restore, revitalize and refresh. Plus it comes in this charming cobalt bottle.
We love using products with Nasturtium Officinale on the delicate eye area skin
Read more about Farmaesthetics Watercress Eye Gel
Farmaesthetics Eye Gel
Watercress Ingredient Overview
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And stay tuned for more Style Chicks Ingredient Overviews!
References
- “Shiseido Succeeds in Visualization of Internal Skin Elasticity “ Decrease of Type III Collagen Involved in Age-Dependent Degradation in Skin Elasticity.” Shiseido, Shiseido, Apr. 2018, corp.shiseido.com/en/newsimg/2423_c3b40_en.pdf.
- Applied Biochemistry and Microbiology, July 2001, pages 392–399
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